Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 122

Cordelia sat slumped at her desk, now changed into her cozy pajamas. Elbows planted firmly on the wood, she cradled her smartphone in her hands, awaiting a reply from the members of her social group chat.

Since yesterday, the question had been gnawing at her, who exactly was Everard? Even Sanderson, the guy who knew everyone in town, didn’t recognize the name. Could it be that Everard was a ghost, a figment of her Imagination?

This morning’s chat in the Pioneers Group sparked a realization, the group was a melting pot of professionals from various fields. Surely someone might know him, right?

But after she posted her question, the chat fell eerily silent.

After a torturous two–minute wait, a reply finally popped up.

Bland asked, [Lia, are you pulling our leg? How could you not know him?]

Cordelia blinked, her instincts telling her that Bland knew Everard. She typed back hastily, [Who is he?]

Silence fell over the group once again.

Just as she was about to probe further, another message came through.

Nolnterruptions said, [Never heard of him.]

Like an icebreaker, the message prompted a flurry of responses.

Pianoman said, [Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.]

Mathster replied, [A mystery to me.]

Painter said, [Who?]

Chef replied, [Not a clue.]

Others all replied, [No idea.]

Everyone chimed in except Louie Adams. Cordelia’s brow furrowed as she read the stream of ignorance, finally addressing Bland directly, [So, you’re the one who knows him, @Bland?]

Bland replied, [No, I definitely do not.]

was confused, texting.

replied, [Sorry, must’ve been a brain fart. Got

was speechless, […]

this and nobody knew

a moment before echoing Painter’s earlier message – [If anyone digs up anything

Periodic Table” that she’d borrowed from her grandmother. The technical jargon was almost alien to her, making for

pages with a heavy

have been more true. She had thought her high school education was comprehensive and had even self–studied some college material, but compared to

double down on her

Lorna brought her a cup of milk and honey. “Get

always open to good advice, nodded in agreement.

new message popped up on her

are you asking about

from Louie. She pondered for a moment before replying with

quickly, No way. Is he

do you

seemed to deliberate for a full ten minutes before sending back a cryptic message: [Be careful

by keeping her distance? They hadn’t even been

sighed deeply, replying. I can’t stay away from

waxing poetic about love, just as Lorna

decide,

After a moment’s thought, she responded: [Because “Love or Die” curse.

Louie went silent.

minutes, but

Louie’s response: I know. I’ll see

knew. He actually knew!

glimmer of hope. Anyone else might have called him immediately, but Cordelia was patient by nature. If Louie said tomorrow, she

typed a single

the phone down, dried her hair, and slipped into bed. Just as she was about to turn off the device, it rang, the sharp tone jarring in the

Everard’s number. What

a familiar voice, more velvety than she remembered,

the nocturnal stillness, somehow more appealing. She hesitated before finally speaking.

voice so soothing it seemed to caress the